Key information

Title: System and method for delivering cooling water to submerged data processing equipment
Application number: 20220954
Case type: National
Status: 03.06.2024 Patent meddelt (B1)
Filed: 05.09.2022
Divided to: 20240494
Effective date: 05.09.2022
Publicly available: 06.03.2024
Next annual fee due: 30.09.2027
Applicant: ORCA CONNEX AS (NO)
Owner: ORCA CONNEX AS (NO)
Inventor: Sigurd Tollevik (NO) et al.
Agent: HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS (NO)
Granted: 03.06.2024
Patent number: 347980
Expiry date: 05.09.2042

Abstract and drawing

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

A system (100) for cooling at least one computing device using water, the system (100) comprising: a body of water (400) defining a first waterline (401); a structure (300) at least partially submerged in the body of water (400) and comprising: an internal volume of water (600) defining a second waterline (601); at least one outlet (310) configured to drain water from the internal volume of water (600) to the body of water (400); a container (210) at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water (600) and comprising at least one computing device configured to generate heat in use; an inlet pipe (500) configured with a pump (511) to move water from the body of water (400) to the internal volume of water (600); and a flow path of water across the container (210) towards the at least one outlet (310); wherein the second waterline (601) is at a height above the first waterline (401) such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume (600) to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the container (210) and at least one computing device therein.

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Date	Doc. No.	Process	Case number	In/Out	Journal description	To/from
02.08.2024	14-01	Saksbehandling	20220954(347980)	UT	PT Varsel om betaling av første årsavgift (3317) (PT20220954)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
04.06.2024	13-01	Saksbehandling	20220954(347980)	UT	PT Registreringsbrev nasjonal patent (15) (PT20220954)
22.05.2024	02-01	Endring av søker/innehaver	2024/07768	UT	GH Forespørsel	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
15.05.2024	01-01	Endring av søker/innehaver	2024/07768	INN	Generell henvendelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
25.03.2024	12-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	Intention to grant	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
14.02.2024	11-03	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00_translatedclaims_140224	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
14.02.2024	11-02	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00_response_140224	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
14.02.2024	11-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
02.02.2024	10-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	Substantive examination	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
13.10.2023	09-04	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00_response_131023	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
13.10.2023	09-03	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00_claimsmarkedup_131023	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
13.10.2023	09-02	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00_claimsclean_131023	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
13.10.2023	09-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
25.09.2023	02-01	Endring av søker/innehaver	2023/12581	UT	GH Forespørsel	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
23.08.2023	02-01	Endring i data for søknad/rettighet Endring av søker/innehaver	2023/12023	UT	GH Forespørsel	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
22.08.2023	01-02	Endring av søker/innehaver	2023/12581	INN	P30503NO00 Signed General_Power_of_Attorney	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
22.08.2023	01-01	Endring av søker/innehaver	2023/12581	INN	Generell henvendelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
14.08.2023	01-01	Endring i data for søknad/rettighet Endring av søker/innehaver	2023/12023	INN	Generell henvendelse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
14.04.2023	08-02	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	PT report 04:47:09
14.04.2023	08-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	Substantive examination	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
02.12.2022	07-02	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00 Signert generalfullmakt	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
02.12.2022	07-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.10.2022	06-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	Infobrev til oppfinner	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
11.10.2022	05-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	20220954_5 Oppfinners adresse	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
16.09.2022	04-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	Korrespondanse (Hovedbrev inn)	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
06.09.2022	03-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	Formal Examination 1	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
06.09.2022	02-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	UT	Informasjon til oppfinner	Yngvar Borø
05.09.2022	01-03	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00 SPECIFICATION FOR FILING	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
05.09.2022	01-02	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	P30503NO00 DRAWINGS FOR FILING	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS
05.09.2022	01-01	Saksbehandling	20220954	INN	Søknadsskjema Patent	HÅMSØ PATENTBYRÅ AS

Description, claims and drawings

Disclaimer: This text has been machine-scanned and may contain errors – please refer to "Publications" for legally binding content.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING COOLING WATER TO

SUBMERGED DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

FIELD

The present invention relates to cooling of data centres. More specifically, the invention relates to a system and method for delivering cooling water to submerged data centres.

BACKGROUND

A data centre is a collection of computing infrastructure, including but not limited to: routers, servers, switches, hard drives and controllers. Operating a large data centre is an energy intensive project. A large amount of electricity is used to run a large data centre, therefore energy costs of operation are a major consideration in the design of a new data centre.

Electrical energy costs are incurred in providing power to the actual computers and network components of the data centre such that they can operate to store, maintain and retrieve data properly. Additional substantial electrical energy is provided to keep the data centre sufficiently cool such that it does not overheat or malfunction.

Many solutions have been proposed to keep data centres sufficiently cool in an energy efficient way.

US patent document US 2017/0049005A1 discloses systems and methods for cooling a computing facility housed in a structure surrounded by or nearby water. An inlet and outlet are defined in a hull of a structure and a fluid path extends between the inlet and outlet. The fluid path is configured to cool the computers of the facility as water from a body of water passes through the fluid path. The fluid path may include one or both of inlet and outlet siphons to draw water down into a basin positioned below the waterline. The fluid path between the inlet and the outlet may be closed and flow from the inlet to the outlet may be partially or completely driven by convection. Fluid flow may also be driven by gravity by placing an end of an outlet tube below the water line, such as adjacent a dam or other barrier bounding the body of water.

US patent document US 2018/0153059A1 discloses a marine subsea data vessel including a plurality of server boards in certain embodiments forming a carousel, coupled with a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger operates to extract heat and transfer the heat to seawater entirely surrounding the marine subsea data vessel. The heat transfer may be through the outer shell of the vessel, or via an external heat exchanger, or both.

A further known problem is the presence of marine life on data centres submerged in cooling water. It is known that marine life greatly impacts the ability of the data centre or heat exchangers associated with the data centres to transfer heat to the cooling water. In this connection, regular cleaning is required to ensure optimal cooling. Regular cleaning is time consuming and requires access to the data centre which may be located at a remote location. Furthermore, there may be a down period in which the data centre cannot be used while it is cleaned of marine life. As cleaning and maintenance intervals are reduced, the operating cost of running a data centre is increased.

The invention has for its object to remedy or to reduce at least one of the drawbacks of the prior art, or at least provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

The object is achieved through features, which are specified in the description below and in the claims that follow.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for cooling at least one computing device using water, the system comprising: a body of water defining a first waterline; a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water and comprising: an internal volume of water defining a second waterline; at least one outlet configured to drain water from the internal volume of water to the body of water; a container at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water and comprising at least one computing device configured to generate heat in use; an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water; and a flow path of water across the container towards the at least one outlet; wherein the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the container and at least one computing device therein.

The system may be used to provide a constant stream of cold water from a deep point in the body of water to efficiently maintain the at least one computing device at a suitable temperature. The system may provide an economic way of cooling the at least one computing device.

The body of water may be one of: a sea; an ocean; a lake; a river; a reservoir or a fjord.

The structure may be a boat or a ship or an offshore platform or a floating structure. The structure may be part of a boat or a ship or an offshore platform or a floating structure. The structure may be configured to rest on the seabed or to engage the seabed.

The structure may define an internal space, wherein the internal volume of water and container are in the internal space.

The internal space may be sealed such that the environment within the internal space can be controlled. Advantageously, control of the environmental conditions in the internal space may result in less marine growth on the container which can impact the cooling ability of the container.

The at least one outlet may comprise at least one flow control device configured to control the flow of water from the internal volume of water to the body of water.

Advantageously, regulation of the flow of water from the internal volume allows the height of the second waterline to be maintained above the first waterline, to ensure an overpressure is maintained.

The container may comprise a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from the computing device, wherein the flow path of water across the container is at least partially across the heat exchanger. Advantageously, a heat exchanger may provide for efficient removal of heat from the container.

The container may comprise at least one electrical connection for receiving power and/or data communications, wherein the at least one electrical connection is located on a portion of the container not submerged in water. Advantageously, the electrical connection can be kept dry to ensure a safe and reliable connection.

The inlet pipe may be between 20m and 200m long, or between 50m and 150m long, or between 75m and 125m long or around 100m long. Advantageously, a long inlet pipe is able to reach deep into the water such that colder water can be brought into the internal volume to cool the computing device.

The inlet pipe may be configured to move water from a depth in the body of water which is deeper than the draught of the structure.

The inlet pipe may be telescopic. The inlet pipe may be configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. Advantageously, this allows the inlet pipe to be adjusted to reach deeper water which may be colder if the computing device is not being sufficiently cooled. Additionally, this allows the inlet pipe to reach zones with better water quality, if the water is not of sufficient quality (for example has high concentrations of many microorganisms) at shallower depths.

The inlet pipe may be arranged to deliver water to the internal volume above the second waterline.

The inlet pipe may be arranged to deliver water to the internal volume in an upper half of the internal volume.

The height of the second waterline above the first waterline may be between 1cm and 1m, or between 1cm and 10cm, or between 4cm and 8cm, or between 5cm and 6cm.

The at least one outlet may comprise a plurality of outlets. Advantageously, a plurality of outlets may allow the flow path to spread out evenly through the internal volume, providing optimised cooling.

The system may further comprise a control system configured to control the pumping of water through the inlet pipe and the draining of water through the at least one outlet, such that the second waterline is maintained at a height above the first waterline. Advantageously, the control system may autonomise the regulation of the flow such that the second waterline is maintained at a height above the first waterline.

Additionally, the control system may stop pumping when it is not required to continue pumping because the second waterline has reached a threshold maximum height. Stopping at the maximum height will reduce the energy consumption of the cooling system, as it is not beneficial to continue pumping water into the internal volume beyond the maximum height as a sufficient overpressure can be obtained at or below the maximum height, so any additionally height gained may waste energy.

The inlet pipe may be configured to move water from a depth in the body of water where the temperature of the water is less than at the surface of the body of water. Advantageously, this may provide cold water which can efficiently cool the computing device.

The structure may be partially opaque or fully opaque. Advantageously, this may protect the container and/or heat exchanger from the unwanted growth of marine life, which can reduce the efficiently of heat transfer from the container and/or heat exchanger. Advantageously, reducing marine growth may also reduce the required maintenance and cleaning.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for cooling a computing device using water, the system comprising: a body of water defining a first waterline; a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water and comprising: an internal volume of water defining a second waterline; an outlet configured to drain water from the internal volume of water to the body of water; a computing device configured to generate heat in use and at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water; an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water; and a flow path of water across the computing device towards the outlet; wherein the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the computing device.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for cooling a data centre using water, the system comprising: a body of water defining a first waterline; a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water and comprising: an internal volume of water defining a second waterline; at least one outlet configured to drain water from the internal volume of water to the body of water; a plurality of containers each at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water and together comprising a data centre configured to generate heat in use; an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water; and a flow path of water across the plurality of containers towards the at least one outlet; wherein the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the plurality of containers and the data centre therein.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of cooling at least one computing device using water, the method comprising the steps of: providing a system for cooling at least one computing device according to the first aspect of the invention; pumping water from the body of water to the internal volume of water to maintain the second waterline at a height above the first waterline thereby maintaining an overpressure; and maintaining a flow path of water across the container by draining water from the internal volume to the body of water via the at least one outlet.

The step of pumping water may comprise pumping water from a depth deeper than the draught of the structure.

The step of pumping water may comprise pumping water from a depth in the body of water where the water temperature is lower than at the surface of the body of water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

An embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the following drawing, in which Figure 1 shows a system for cooling a data centre.

For clarity reasons, some elements may be without reference numerals. A person skilled in the art will understand that the figure is just a principal drawing. The relative proportions of individual elements may also be distorted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a system 100 for providing cooling water to a data centre 200. The data centre 200 comprises a plurality of computing devices (not shown) located in vertically positioned containers 210. In some examples the computing devices (not shown) may be arranged in racks within the containers 210. The actual configuration of the computing devices within the containers is not important, and suitable configurations will be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

In the presently described example, the computing devices within the containers 210 are a plurality of servers and network components such as routers, network switches, storage devices and processors. It will be understood by a person skilled in the art that the computing devices may be any collection of one or more electrically powered devices which give off heat and must be maintained at a sufficiently cool temperature such that they do not overheat and/or malfunction. Each container 210 comprises a heat exchanger 220 configured to draw heat from the computing devices within the containers 210. There are many types and configurations of heat exchangers 220 which may be suitable for use with the containers 210. The specific type or configuration of the heat exchanger 220 is not important.

The system 100 comprises a main structure 300 within which the containers 210 are arranged, as shown in Figure 1. The structure 300 is configured to be located in a volume of water 400 such as a sea, ocean, lake, river, reservoir, fjord or another natural or man-made body of water. As shown in Figure 1, the structure 300 is configured to be partially submerged in the volume of water 400. That is to say, the structure 300 is configured to float in the volume of water 400 such that a lower portion 301 of the structure 300 is submerged in the volume of water 400 and an upper portion 302 of the structure 300 is maintained unsubmerged in the volume of water 400. In some alternative examples, the structure may be configured to be fully submerged in the volume of water 400.

The system 100 further comprises an inlet pipe 500 comprising an upper section 501 and a lower section 502. The upper 501 and lower 502 sections are arranged in a telescoping arrangement such that the length of the inlet pipe 500 can be adjusted, the purpose of which will be explained in more detail later. The inlet pipe 500 comprises first and second fluid pumps 511, 512 configured to pump water from a depth d below a surface 401 of the volume of water 400 to a height h above the surface 401 of the volume of water 400. In the presently described example, two fluid pumps 511, 512 are used to assist in pumping water from a deep depth d below the surface 401 of the volume of water 400. It will be understood that in some examples only one fluid pump may be sufficient to pump water from a depth d. In some examples, another means of lifting water from a depth d may be provided.

The structure 300 is partially filled with water in use, as can be seen in Figure 1. In this connection, there is an internal volume of water 600 comprising a water surface 601. The containers 210 are arranged to be partially submerged in the internal volume of water 600, thereby allowing an upper portion 211 of each container 210 to be maintained dry and out of the water usefully providing a safe and dry environment for electrical connections (not shown) to the computer devices within the containers 210 to be made. In some examples (not shown) it may be preferred to completely submerge the containers 210 in water such that optimal cooling can be achieved. In such cases, electrical connection may be made via waterproof connectors.

Water can drain from the structure 300 into the volume of water 400 within which the structure 300 is floating, through outlet ports 310. The outlet ports 310 may be provided with flow control devices such that the flow through the outlet ports 310 can be controlled and/or stopped. In this connection, the control of flow through the outlet ports 310 may be manually operated, or the outlet ports 310 may be controlled by a control system, as will be explained in more detail later.

The system 100 described above with reference to Figure 1 can be used to provide cold water to the containers 210 housing the data centre 200, thereby maintaining the data centre 200 at a sufficiently cool temperature, as will now be described.

It will be understood that in large volumes of water, the temperature of the water generally decreases as depth increases. To cool the data centre 200, the system 100 is used to deliver water from a depth d and either directly or indirectly cool the data centre 200. Firstly, the system is arranged as shown in Figure 1 and as described above. Cold water is then pumped from a depth d using the first 511 and/or second 512 pump, and is delivered to the internal volume 600. The water surface 601 of the internal volume of water 600 is maintained at a height h above the water surface 401 of the volume of water 400 within which the structure 300 floats. The first 511 and/or second 512 pumps are operated in conjunction with the outlet ports 310 and associated flow control devices to regulate the volume of water in the internal volume 600. In this connection, the surface 601 of the internal volume 600 is maintained at a height h above the water surface 401, thereby creating an overpressure such that the internal volume 600 of water flows to the outlets 310. Constant pumping of cold water from the depth d by the first 511 and/or second 512 pumps results in a constant overpressure and a constant flow of cold water over the heat exchangers 220.

In the example shown in Figure 1, the inlet pipe 500 is arranged to deliver water to the internal volume 600 above the water surface 601. It will be understood that the inlet pipe 500 may be arranged in other examples to deliver water to any suitable location inside the structure 300 such that the volume of water in the internal volume 600 can be maintained such that the height h of the water surface 601 of the internal volume 600 can be maintained above the water surface 401 of the volume of water 400 external to the structure 300. For example, the inlet pipe 500 may deliver water at a central location within the internal volume 600, rather than above the water surface 601 of the internal volume 600. It is preferred that the water is delivered at a location higher in the internal volume 600 such that the cold water then flows downwards over the containers 210 and most preferably over the heat exchangers 220. In this connection, it is preferred that the water is delivered at a location in the upper half of the internal volume 600.

Heat is transferred from the heat exchangers 220 to the cold water as it passes over the heat exchangers 220. In this way, the data centre 200 is indirectly cooled.

The term indirectly is used to indicate that heat is transferred from the data centre 200 to a cooling medium in the heat exchangers 220. Heat is then transferred from the cooling medium in the heat exchangers 220 to the cold water passing over the heat exchangers 220.

It will be appreciated that in the presently described example some of the cold water will pass over the submerged portions of the containers 210. In this connection, the data centre 200 may also be cooled by the cooling effect of the cold water passing over the submerged portions of the containers 210. However, it will be appreciated that a dedicated heat exchanger 220 may efficiently remove heat from the data centre 200, which can then be transferred to the cold water.

In other examples (not shown), the cold water may be used to directly remove heat from the data centre 200. In this connection, the components of the data centre 200 may be open to the cold water, and the cold water may flow directly over these components thereby cooling them. It is preferred that the data centre 200 is enclosed in containers 210 as in the example described with reference to Figure 1, as the containers 210 protect the data centre 200 from exposure to microorganisms in the water and the corrosive effects of salt water (when the structure 300 is placed in saltwater). Protecting the data centre 200 from microorganisms and salt water may allow a longer cleaning and maintenance period, which is economically beneficial, particularly when the data centre 200 is located in a particularly remote or hard to reach location.

Still referring to Figure 1, the inlet pipe 500 may be configured to reach a depth d of around 20m in some examples, or around 50m, 100m, 150m or 200m in other examples. In the presently described example the inlet pipe 500 is telescopic, therefore the depth d to which the inlet pipe 500 reaches may be easily adjusted. The inlet pipe 500 in the presently described example may telescope from 75m in a collapsed configuration to 150m in an expanded configuration. The depth d may be adjusted by manual adjustment of the telescoping function of the inlet pipe 500. Alternatively, the depth d may be adjusted by a control system.

The inlet pipe 500 may be provided with sensors to detect the water temperature at the depth d. In this connection, the depth d may be adjusted such that a suitable temperature of water is delivered to the internal volume 600 to provide optimum and efficient cooling of the data centre 200.

For example, if the system 100 is operating with the inlet pipe 500 at a depth of 75m (i.e. with the inlet pipe 500 in a collapsed configuration), where water temperature is 6 degrees Celsius, and the data centre 200 is still too hot, the inlet pipe 500 may be extended to a depth of 100m, where the water temperature is 4 degrees Celsius, thereby improving the cooling of the data centre 200. If the data centre 200 heats up further, the inlet pipe 500 may be extended further until it reaches its maximum extent at a depth of 150m in the expanded configuration, where the water is 3 degrees Celsius. Therefore, the data centre 200 can be cooled even further. It will be appreciated that the telescopic inlet pipe 500 in the presently described example is a two-piece telescoping construction, however any number of pieces may be used in other examples.

The telescopic function of the inlet pipe 500 may also be used to adjust the zone from which the water fed into the internal volume 600 is supplied from. In this connection, the inlet pipe 500 may be adjusted to a deliver water from a deeper depth if the water brought into the internal volume is detected to have concentrations of algae or other microorganisms present. Extension of the inlet pipe 500 allows deeper water with reduced oxygen content to be reached. The deeper water may have reduced concentrations of algae and other microorganisms.

The internal volume 600 may be provided with suitable sensors to measure water quality. Additionally, the structure 300 may be sealed to the environment and comprise environmental sensors such that the air quality within the structure 300 can be monitored. Monitoring of air and water quality allows for an optimised environment to ensure that barnacles and other marine growth are inhibited from forming and growing on the containers 210 and/or heat exchangers 220. Growth of such marine life would greatly affect the cooling ability of the containers 210 and/or heat exchangers 220. Furthermore, marine life growth may lead to more regular cleaning of the containers 210 and/or heat exchangers 220.

The first 511 and/or second 512 pump may be in communication with the flow control devices (not shown) at the outlet ports 310 such that it can be ensured that the height h of the surface 601 of the internal volume 600 is above the surface 401 of the volume of water 400, thereby maintaining an overpressure. The height h in the presently described example may be around 5-6cm. In some examples the height h may be 10cm or 1m. It will be understood that pumping water to a height h consumes energy, therefore it may be desirable to maintain a relatively low height h such that a sufficient overpressure is maintained but energy consumption in pumping to the height h is not excessive.

The structure 300, although only shown in two dimensions in Figure 1, may be provided in a plurality of different shapes. For example, the structure 300 may in some examples be a hexagonal prism. In some examples (not shown), a plurality of structures 300 may be provided with mechanical connections between the structures 300. In this connection, the plurality of structures 300 may be configured to be connected together in a modular fashion.

The structure 300 may in some examples comprise opaque surfaces such that no light can be transmitted through parts of the structure 300. In this connection, light can be stopped from reaching the containers 210 and heat exchangers 220 to further inhibit marine growth thereon. In some examples the structure 300 may be entirely opaque.

The structure 300 may be connected to or be part of a larger vessel such as a boat, ship, offshore platform or floating structure. In some examples the structure 300 may itself be a ship or boat, wherein the containers 210 are arranged in the hull of the ship or boat.

It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. Use of the verb "comprise" and its conjugations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those stated in a claim. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A system for cooling at least one computing device using water, the system comprising:

a body of water defining a first waterline;

a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water and comprising:

an internal volume of water defining a second waterline;

at least one outlet configured to drain water from the internal volume of water to the body of water;

a container at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water and comprising at least one computing device configured to generate heat in use;

an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water; and

a flow path of water across the container towards the at least one outlet; characterized in that the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the container and at least one computing device therein.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the body of water is one of: a sea; an ocean; a lake; a river; a reservoir or a fjord.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the structure is or is part of a boat or a ship or an offshore platform or a floating structure.

4. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the structure defines an internal space, wherein the internal volume of water and container are in the internal space.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the internal space is sealed such that the environment within the internal space can be controlled.

6. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one outlet comprises at least one flow control device configured to control the flow of water from the internal volume of water to the body of water.

7. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from the computing device, wherein the flow path of water across the container is at least partially across the heat exchanger.

8. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the container comprises at least one electrical connection for receiving power and/or data communications, wherein the at least one electrical connection is located on a portion of the container not submerged in water.

9. The system according to any preceding claim wherein the inlet pipe is between 20m and 200m long, or between 50m and 150m long, or between 75m and 125m long or around 100m long.

10. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet pipe is configured to move water from a depth in the body of water which is deeper than the draught of the structure.

11. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet pipe is telescopic and is configured to move between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration.

12. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the inlet pipe is arranged to deliver water to the internal volume above the second waterline.

13. The system according to any of claims 1 to 11, wherein the inlet pipe is arranged to deliver water to the internal volume in an upper half of the internal volume.

14. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the height of the second waterline above the first waterline is between 1cm and 1m, or between 1cm and 10cm, or between 4cm and 8cm, or between 5cm and 6cm.

15. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one outlet comprises a plurality of outlets.

16. The system according to any preceding claim, further comprising a control system configured to control the pumping of water through the inlet pipe and the draining of water through the at least one outlet, such that the second waterline is maintained at a height above the first waterline.

17. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein inlet pipe is configured to move water from a depth in the body of water where the temperature of the water is less than at the surface of the body of water.

18. The system according to any preceding claim, wherein the structure is partially opaque or fully opaque.

19. A system for cooling a computing device using water, the system comprising:

a body of water defining a first waterline;

a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water and comprising:

an internal volume of water defining a second waterline;

an outlet configured to drain water from the internal volume of water to the body of water;

a computing device configured to generate heat in use and at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water;

an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water; and

a flow path of water across the computing device towards the outlet; characterized in that the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the computing device.

20. A system for cooling a data centre using water, the system comprising:

a body of water defining a first waterline;

a structure at least partially submerged in the body of water and comprising:

an internal volume of water defining a second waterline;

at least one outlet configured to drain water from the internal volume of water to the body of water;

a plurality of containers each at least partially submerged in the internal volume of water and together comprising a data centre configured to generate heat in use;

an inlet pipe configured with a pump to move water from the body of water to the internal volume of water; and

a flow path of water across the plurality of containers towards the at least one outlet;

characterized in that the second waterline is at a height above the first waterline such that there is an overpressure in the internal volume to drive the flow path to provide cooling of the plurality of containers and the data centre therein.

21. A method of cooling at least one computing device using water, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a system for cooling at least one computing device according to any of claims 1 to 18;

pumping water from the body of water to the internal volume of water to maintain the second waterline at a height above the first waterline thereby maintaining an overpressure; and

maintaining a flow path of water across the container by draining water from the internal volume to the body of water via the at least one outlet.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the step of pumping water comprises pumping water from a depth deeper than the draught of the structure.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, wherein the step of pumping water comprises pumping water from a depth in the body of water where the water temperature is lower than at the surface of the body of water.

Patentkrav

1. System for nedkjøling av minst én databehandlingsanordning ved anvendelse av vann, idet systemet omfatter:

en vannmasse som definerer en første vannlinje;

en struktur i det minste delvis nedsenket i vannmassen og omfattende:

et indre volum av vann som definerer en andre vannlinje;

minst ett utløp konfigurert til å drenere vann fra det indre volumet av vann til vannmassen;

en beholder i det minste delvis nedsenket i det indre volumet av vann og omfattende minst én databehandlingsanordning konfigurert til å generere varme ved bruk;

et innløpsrør konfigurert med en pumpe for å flytte vann fra vannmassen til det indre volumet av vann; og

en strømningsbane for vann tvers over beholderen mot det minst ene utløpet; k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at den andre vannlinjen er i en høyde over den første vannlinjen slik at det finnes et overtrykk i det indre volumet for å drive strømningsbanen til å tilveiebringe kjøling av beholderen og minst én databehandlingsanordning deri.

2. System ifølge krav 1, hvor vannmassen er én av: en sjø; et hav; en innsjø; en elv; et reservoar eller en fjord.

3. System ifølge krav 1 eller 2, hvor strukturen er eller er del av en båt eller et skip eller en offshore-plattform eller en flytende struktur.

4. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor strukturen definerer et indre rom, hvor det indre volumet av vann og beholderen er i det indre rommet.

5. System ifølge krav 4, hvor det indre rommet er forseglet slik at miljøet inni det indre rommet kan kontrolleres.

6. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor det minst ene utløpet omfatter i det minste én strømningskontrollanordning konfigurert til å kontrollere strømmen av vann fra det indre volumet av vann til vannmassen.

7. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor beholderen omfatter en varmeveksler konfigurert til å fjerne varme fra databehandlingsanordningen, hvor strømningsbanen for vann tvers over beholderen er i det minste delvis tvers over varmeveksleren.

8. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor beholderen omfatter minst én elektrisk forbindelse for å motta strøm og/eller datakommunikasjon, hvor den minst ene elektriske forbindelsen befinner seg på et parti av beholderen som ikke er nedsenket i vann.

9. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsrøret er mellom 20 m og 200 m langt, eller mellom 50 m og 150 m langt, eller mellom 75 m og 125 m langt eller rundt 100 m langt.

10. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsrøret er konfigurert til å flytte vann fra en dybde i vannmassen som er dypere enn dypgangen til strukturen.

11. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsrøret er teleskopisk og er konfigurert til å bevege seg mellom en sammenslått konfigurasjon og en forlenget konfigurasjon.

12. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsrøret er anordnet for å forsyne vann til det indre volumet over den andre vannlinjen.

13. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 11, hvor innløpsrøret er anordnet for å forsyne vann til det indre volumet i en øvre halvdel av det indre volumet.

14. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor høyden til den andre vannlinjen over den første vannlinjen er mellom 1 cm og 1 m, eller mellom 1 cm og 10 cm, eller mellom 4 cm og 8 cm, eller mellom 5 cm og 6 cm.

15. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor det minst ene utløpet omfatter en flerhet av utløp.

16. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, videre omfattende et kontrollsystem som er konfigurert til å kontrollere pumping av vann gjennom innløpsrøret og dreneringen av vann gjennom det minst ene utløpet, slik at den andre vannlinjen opprettholdes ved en høyde over den første vannlinjen.

17. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor innløpsrøret er konfigurert til å flytte vann fra en dybde i vannmassen der temperaturen i vannet er lavere enn ved overflaten av vannmassen.

18. System ifølge et hvilket som helst av de foregående kravene, hvor strukturen er delvis opak eller fullstendig opak.

19. System for nedkjøling av en databehandlingsanordning ved anvendelse av vann, idet systemet omfatter:

en vannmasse som definerer en første vannlinje;

en struktur i det minste delvis nedsenket i vannmassen og omfattende: et indre volum av vann som definerer en andre vannlinje;

et utløp konfigurert til å drenere vann fra det indre volumet av vann til vannmassen;

en databehandlingsanordning konfigurert til å generere varme ved bruk og i det minste delvis nedsenket i det indre volumet av vann;

et innløpsrør konfigurert med en pumpe for å flytte vann fra vannmassen til det indre volumet av vann; og

en strømningsbane for vann tvers over databehandlingsanordningen mot utløpet;

k a r a k t e r i s e r t v e d at den andre vannlinjen er i en høyde over den første vannlinjen slik at det finnes et overtrykk i det indre volumet for å drive strømningsbanen til å tilveiebringe kjøling av databehandlingsanordningen.

20. System for nedkjøling av et datasenter ved anvendelse av vann, idet systemet omfatter:

en vannmasse som definerer en første vannlinje;

en struktur i det minste delvis nedsenket i vannmassen og omfattende: et indre volum av vann som definerer en andre vannlinje;

minst ett utløp konfigurert til å drenere vann fra det indre volumet av vann til vannmassen;

en flerhet av beholdere der hver er i det minste delvis nedsenket i det indre volumet av vann og sammen omfatter et datasenter konfigurert til å generere varme ved bruk;

et innløpsrør konfigurert med en pumpe for å flytte vann fra vannmassen til det indre volumet av vann; og

en strømningsbane for vann tvers over flerheten av beholdere mot det minst ene utløpet;

21. Fremgangsmåte for nedkjøling av minst én databehandlingsanordning ved anvendelse av vann, idet fremgangsmåten omfatter trinnene:

å tilveiebringe et system for nedkjøling av minst én databehandlingsanordning ifølge et hvilket som helst av kravene 1 til 18;

å pumpe vann fra vannmassen til det indre volumet av vann for å opprettholde den andre vannlinjen i en høyde over den første vannlinjen og derved opprettholde et overtrykk; og

å opprettholde en strømningsbane for vann tvers over beholderen ved å drenere vann fra det indre volumet til vannmassen via det minst ene utløpet.

22. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 21, hvor trinnet å pumpe vann omfatter å pumpe vann fra en dybde som er dypere enn dypgangen til strukturen.

23. Fremgangsmåte ifølge krav 21 eller 22, hvor trinnet å pumpe vann omfatter å pumpe vann fra en dybde i vannmassen der vanntemperaturen er lavere enn ved overflaten av vannmassen.

Drawings

Priority

No priority

Patent classes

IPC classes

G06F 1/20

H05K 7/20

CPC classes

G06F 1/20

G06F 1/206

H05K 7/20

H05K 7/20709

H05K 7/2079

G06F 2200/201

Y02D 10/00

Citations

US 2017049005 A1 (A1)

US 2020348034 A1 (A1)

US 2015382511 A1 (A1)

US 2018054916 A1 (A1)

Applicants, owners and inventors

Owners

ORCA CONNEX AS

Buråsen 30

4636 KRISTIANSAND S